Baetjch bloch



(No Model.)

- B. BLOGH'.

, DEVICE FOR AIDING SWIMMBRS. V

' No. 281,005. Patented July 10, 18-83.

fly? i299 g WiTNESSES; INVENTOR a 3G I I gma,

y 72:3 Attorneys,

u Pnzns mbumvun Washington 01;

UNITED STATES PATENT Fries.

BARUOH BLOCH, OF PARIS, FRANCE, ASSIGNOR TO P. GARCET 8: NISIUS, OF SAME PLACE.

DEVICE FOR AlDlNG SWIMMERS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 281,005, dated July 10, 1 883.

Application filed October 24, 1882. (N0 model.) Patented in France September 5, 1882, and in Belgium September 6, 1882.

To all whom it 1nay concern.-

Be it known that I, BARUOH BLoon, a citizen of the French Republic, residing at Paris, France, have invented certain Improvements in Swimmers Foot-Paddles, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to that class of devices for aiding swimmers which comprise a solepiece to be secured to the foot, and two flaps or wings hinged thereto and adapted to extend themselves when the foot is pushed back in swimming. I provide such a device with means for securing the wings in their extended positions, whereby the wearer can rise to his feet and walk conveniently on the shore or the deck of a vessel.

In the drawings which serve to illustrate my invention, Figures 1, 2, and 3 are perspective views illustrating my foot-paddle or swim ming device, Fig. 1 showing the device as it appears when the wearer is standing or walking, Fig. 2 its appearance when the swimmer is pushing back his foot in the water, and Fig. 3 its appearance when the swimmer is drawing in his foot. Figs. 4 and 5 are rear elevations, on a larger scale, showing, respectively, the wings or flaps extended and collapsed. Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of the wedge for holding the flaps extended, and Fig. 7 is the preferred form of hinge for hinging the flaps to the solepiece.

A is the sole-piece, which is shown as rectangular in. form, although this is not necessary. Bis the buskin attached thereto, and C O are the wings or flaps. These are hinged at their edges to the sole-piece, preferably by a hinge similar to that shown in Fig. 7, alt-hough a leather, canvas, or other hinge might be used. The hinged edges of the flaps are beveled, as shown, in order that in folding back, as in Figs. 3 and 5, they may not come together, otherwise the water could not readily take between them and spread them in swimmin g. When folded back, as shown, it is designed that these flaps shall be entirely behind the sole-piece, so as not to offer any resistance to the water in drawing in the foot. \Vhen the swimmer comes out on land, or before he enters the water, it is necessary that he should be able to stand erect and walk. The hinged flaps or wings would prevent this if means were not provided for securing them in their extended position. To effect this locking of the wings, I bevel their hinged edges, as before stated, and when they are extended this leaves a dovetail groove or space between them. Into this space the wearer inserts a beveled wedge or key, a, which may be tied V to the ankle by a string, so as to be always convenient. Other means may be employed to keep the flaps or wings extended-as, for example, a hook pivoted to the edge or end of the sole-piece to engage an eye on the flap.

Having thus described my invention, I claim- 1. The combination, with the sole-piece and the wings or flaps hinged thereto, of a wedge, or its substantial equivalent for holding the wings extended, whereby the wearer is enabled to rise on his feet and walk, substantially as set forth.

2. Thecombination, with the sole-piece and the wings or flaps hinged thereto and provided with beveled inner edges, as shown, of the key or wedge a, for locking the wings in their eX- tended position, substantially as set forth.

In witness whereof I have hereunto signed my name in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

BARUCH BLOGH.

Vitnesses:

N. Mann, G. CHAPINS. 

